New group to help pursue case against abusive drivers, fixers

COMMUTERS who have complaints against abusive drivers can now avail of free legal services from the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, a group founded by lawyer Ariel Inton Jr., former member of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in Manila this year and later expanded to Cebu.

“Our advocacy is to make the public transportation safe,” Inton told reporters in a press conference in Cebu City yesterday.

The group chose to expand to Cebu City where they received several complaints through Inton’s Facebook account.

“I could not say the exact number but I can say that the complaints are very many. We will serve as watchdog. We will assist any kinds of complaint,” he said.

Common complaints in Cebu came from hit-and-run victims, passengers humiliated or threatened by drivers and transacting public who were victimized by fixers.

Inton said their group will assist complainants in filing a case against abusive drivers.

“Of course, many do not want to pursue the case due to lack of time and lack of knowledge to file a case. This is where our group comes in,” he added.

As of now, only lawyer Roselo Alfar has volunteered in Cebu City. The group encouraged more lawyers to volunteer.

Alfar said those who have complaints can visit their office beside the LTFRB-7 in North Reclamation Area, Cebu City.

“We are coordinating with the LTFRB-7 in case complaints surface against PUV drivers,” he added.

After Cebu, Inton said they will expand to Bacolod.